On the Other Hand Rick Scott is a Typical Politician

It’s true. Local groups have been pining for today, when Governor Rick Scott allows Florida to experiment with ObamaCare’s Medicaid expansion. But it’s also true that Rick Scott is up for reelection next year. Despite today’s disappointing news, Rick Scott is a smart man. And more pointedly, he’s a savvy politician.

Rick Scott wants to win reelection next year. And he is aware of his biggest obstacle: Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist. Crist, according to a PPP poll is already poised to make Scott’s road to reelection a tough one. Scott is even piling up political money in anticipation of a knock-down, drag-out fight with the former Republican turned Democrat, Charlie Crist.

Yes, pressure groups played a roll in Rick Scott’s decision to go along with ObamaCare’s Medicaid expansion. But Scott wants to win reelection. And he thinks his decision today–while infuriating those Tea Party voters who where the key to his victory in 2010–will inoculate him against charges of being an out of touch loon in 2014.

It was either Rick Scott’s political future or the sovereignty of the state of Florida. And Florida lost.